RULES
KNOW your
RULES
The latest in our series of situations encountered by everyday golfers and what the correct procedures are
It was on the day of his 90th birthday at a blistering Sun City that Gary Player did what he has done throughout his career – holed a shot from the bunker. It drew a ripple of whoops from the handful of people following the group, but Player had made the extraordinary look ordinary, again.
Many amateurs are intimidated by bunker shots and many don't know what relief options you have when you are faced with a number of different situations. Plugged ball, buries under the lip, a snake, or on some courses in South Africa, wildlife, we've got you covered.
PLAY IT AS IT LIES
Even the best have had their struggles with bunker shots. The 18-time Major winner Jack Nicklaus took four shots to get out of the aptly named 'Hell Bunker' on the 14th at St Andrews in the 1995 Open Championship. He later said he was trying to just get the ball out. Whilst the rules have changed a lot since those days, and indeed since 2019, there are four options available should you deem your ball unplayable and wish to take a drop from a bunker.
THE RULEs
12.3: Specific Rules for Relief for Ball in Bunker
When a ball is in a bunker, specific relief rules may apply in these situations:
- Interference by an abnormal course condition (Rule 16.1c)
- Interference by a dangerous animal condition (Rule 16.2)
- Unplayable ball (Rule 19.3)
ABNORMAL COURSE CONDITION
Relief for Ball in a Bunker (Rule 16.1c)
If a player's ball is in a bunker and there is interference by an abnormal course condition (animal hole, ground under repair, immovable obstruction, or temporary water) on the course, the player may take either free relief (playing from nearest point of complete relief within the bunker) or penalty relief (outside the bunker).
DANGEROUS ANIMAL CONDITION
Rule 16.2
A 'dangerous animal condition' exists when a dangerous animal (such as venomous snakes, stinging bees, alligators, fire ants or bears) near a ball could cause serious physical injury to the player if they had to play the ball as it lies. The player may take free relief (nearest point of complete relief within the bunker) or penalty relief (outside the bunker). This rule does not apply to other situations on the course that could cause physical harm (such as a cactus).
THE UNPLAYABLE BALL
Rule 19.3
- Stroke and Distance
At any time, including when the ball rests in a bunker, a player may take relief by adding one penalty stroke and play from where the previous stroke was made. Basically, replay your last shot. Using Nicklaus as the example (see above), it would have been 220 yards away.
- Back-on-the-Line Relief (Within the Bunker)
Take an imaginary line from the flag which runs through your unplayable ball and beyond. You are then permitted to drop the ball on this imaginary line as far back as you wish, providing it remains within the bunker. This will cost you a one stroke penalty. - Two Club Lengths
Just as you would should you declare a ball unplayable in the rough or behind a tree, you can do so in a bunker. For a one stroke penalty, you are permitted to drop within two club lengths of your unplayable ball providing it is no nearer the hole and remains within the bunker. - Back-on-the-Line Relief (Outside the Bunker)
You have the option to drop outside the bunker. Whilst it gets you out the bunker, it comes with the penalty of two strokes. Consider that imaginary line running through the flag and your ball, as mentioned in option 2, but extend it outside of the bunker. You can go as far back as you wish.
NOTE: This is an abridged guide to the rules. Players are advised to read the full rules at HERE.
WIN!
Stand a chance to win Cobra Puma apparel.
Simply select the correct answer to this question and you’ll go into the draw for this fantastic giveaway.
Question:A player may repair damage on the putting green, but which damage may a player not repair?- An indentation caused by an embedded stone
- Spike marks
- Areas caused by disease
- Old hole plugs
Closing date: 26 January 2026
Closing date: 26 January 2026
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congratulations
Mark Bezencon from Durban on winning a Cobra Puma apparel in December's competition.
Question: In strokeplay, a player hits a shot into a greenside bunker. The player hits the ball out of the bunker and it comes to rest just short of the green. The player removes the sand that landed both on the green and off the green using a towel as it was on their line of play.
What is the ruling?
- No penalty
- One stroke penalty
- Two stroke penalty
To feature in the mag, simply email us an interesting tale involving a rule at your club that is worth discussing, and we’ll make it happen. Get in touch with us at contact@thegolfmag.co.za
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